ISLAMABAD, Monday, May 05, 2025 (WNP): The 13th edition of the Finland–Pakistan Business Summit opened in Islamabad on Monday, spotlighting Pakistan’s improving economic fundamentals and growing potential for bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, energy, and education.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan inaugurated the summit at a local hotel, where he presented an upbeat picture of the country’s economy, crediting the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for recent stabilization and reform measures.

“Inflation is down, interest rates are falling, and the foreign exchange market has stabilized,” he said. “We’ve laid the groundwork for sustainable growth, and global investors are beginning to take notice.”

The Minister noted that Pakistan has hosted three major expos in just the past month—focusing on minerals, overseas Pakistanis, and health and education sectors—drawing hundreds of international participants. “Over 900 foreign delegates joined the HEMS Expo alone, reflecting renewed global confidence,” he added.

He praised the Finland–Pakistan Business Council, led by Chairman Wille Eerola, for a decade of efforts in fostering bilateral business ties and thanked Finnish Ambassador Hannu Ripatti for his ongoing support in deepening trade and investment relations.

Calling it the “right moment” for European, and particularly Finnish, firms to invest in Pakistan, the Minister said the country’s vast consumer base, cost-effective labor force, and strategic location offer unique value. “Pakistan is one of the largest untapped markets in the region. With technology transfer and value addition, we can unlock mutually beneficial outcomes,” he said.

He identified the food sector as a major opportunity for collaboration. “With proper processing and European technology, Pakistan can add $15 billion to its food export revenues alone,” he stated.

The summit drew participation from top Finnish companies including Nokia, Wärtsilä, Metso, and Kone, and featured sector-specific sessions under the FPBS banner.

At the FPBS Energy Talks, Wärtsilä’s Alexandre Eykerman led discussions on Pakistan’s transition to sustainable energy. Minister Khan emphasized the government’s commitment to green energy and noted the downward trend in power prices as a promising sign.

During the FPBS EDU Talks, the Minister expressed Pakistan’s interest in expanding educational ties with Finland, particularly in digital learning, vocational training, and early childhood education. He pointed to ongoing collaborations with Finnish Global Education Solutions, UNICEF, and Aga Khan University.

In the FPBS INNO Talks, innovation and technology transfer dominated discussions. “Finnish companies bring world-class solutions, and Pakistan’s tech-savvy youth are ready to connect with the global economy,” the Minister said.

He also addressed concerns over modest bilateral trade figures, clarifying that many Finnish exports are now manufactured outside Finland, skewing the data. “But on the ground, collaboration is dynamic and growing,” he noted.

Ambassador Ripatti echoed this optimism, saying, “This is a strong moment for Finnish companies to invest in Pakistan. The environment is improving, the talent pool is strong, and the opportunities are multiplying.”

As the summit moved into its B2B networking phase, Minister Khan urged Finnish businesses to look beyond short-term gains. “Let’s not just transact — let’s transform. Together, we can co-create ventures that drive shared prosperity.”

He concluded by assuring full government support for Finnish investors and institutions exploring opportunities in Pakistan.